TY - CONF A1 - Braun, U. T1 - Thermoanalytical methods to measure mass in microplastics N2 - The talk adresses the use of thermoanalytical methods in microplastics analysis. T2 - EUROLAB webinar: MICROPLASTICS: regulations, standards and the role of laboratories CY - Online meeting DA - 15.02.2023 KW - TED-GC/MS KW - Thermoanalytical methods KW - Microplastic mass PY - 2023 AN - OPUS4-57009 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Altmann, Korinna T1 - Release of synthetic fibres during washing of typical household textiles: Findings from washing machine tests and resulting policy recommendations N2 - This talk summarizes the experimental setup and the results of one washing experiment under realistic conditions according to microplastic fiber release. T2 - Tackling microplastics in the environment CY - Brussels, Belgium DA - 09.03.2023 KW - Microplastics KW - Fibers of textile origin KW - Washing machine KW - Microplastic fibre release PY - 2023 AN - OPUS4-57204 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Wiesner, Yosri T1 - Metrological Observation of the Stability Performance of Reference Materials for Microplastic Analysis N2 - The formation of microplastic (MP) particles (1-1000 µm) is mostly related to physicochemical degradation processes of macroplastics. Photooxidative damage is often set as the initial degradation process, which leads to embrittlement of the plastics. Mechanical processes then lead to further fragmentation and the formation of MP particles. In the environment, this can be associated with UV exposure through direct radiation from the sun, which leads to radical formation in the polymer systems on the one hand and radical formation of oxygen on the other. The result is material embrittlement usually caused by chain shortening in the polymeric system. Due to specific ecosystem conditions, the damaged polymer is fragmented by erosive, abrasive processes or wave action. According to reference material topic for MP analysis, pristine and artificially weathered polymers are needed. Starting from granulate or macroplastics, these can be pulverised with different techniques, bottled and stored until usage. The bottled powders need to be homogen and stable over a defined time interval regarding to a specific property. This work deals with different polymer types, aged and non-aged. It tries to answer the question under which storage conditions polymers will be stable in particle size. The powders are characterized for chemical composition and shape with FTIR, DSC and SEM. Particle size distribution was measured by laser diffraction with wet and dry dispersion. Artificially pre-aged materials seem to be more vulnerable for further aging and less stable in particle size distribution measurements. T2 - SETAC Dublin– SETAC Europe 33nd Annual Meeting CY - Dublin, Ireland DA - 30.04.2023 KW - Reference material KW - Microplastics KW - Metrological Observation PY - 2023 AN - OPUS4-57475 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Lukas, M. T1 - Artificial Plastic Ageing as a Framework for Microplastics Ecotoxicity Evaluation N2 - Microplastics are widely distributed in aquatic and terrestrial environments, up to now less is known on toxicological impacts under realistic conditions. Research so far has focused mainly on the impacts on organisms by fresh plastic fragments or beats. However, plastic materials found in the environment are mainly a mixture of different polymers and particularly degraded during aging processes. Although especially oxidized degradation products might escape from plastic materials during aging, there is a lack of information on potentially adverse effects on aquatic biota. The latter is of particular interest as oxidized chemicals become more water soluble due to higher polarity and are more bio-available, therefore. The present study focussed on plastic leachates of polystyrene (PS) and polylactic acid (PLA), which were derived from alternating stress by hydrolysis and UV radiation. Test specimen of PS, PLA or PS/PLA blends (each 50 %) were alternatingly maintained in water at 45 °C for five days and UV radiated at 45 °C for two days, for in total six weeks. Ecotoxicological effects of potentially generated degradation products of plastic materials in the storage water (mineral water, pH: 7.2) were detected by algae growth inhibition tests with Desmodesmus suspicatus and photosystem II inhibition tests with Raphidocelis subcapitata. Results clearly indicate inhibitory effects on algae growth by contaminants in the storage water of stressed plastic materials with increasing growth inhibition of proceeding hydrolysis and UV stress times. Here, different plastics cause variable responses of algal growth. First chemical analyses indicate dissolved monomers and their oxidation products of plastic materials as possible driver of detected ecotoxicological effects, since detected microplastic particles do not seem to harm algae. The existing data highlight the relevance of plastic aging as a framework for microplastic ecotoxicity evaluation and allow a proof of concept. T2 - SETAC 2023 CY - Dublin, Ireland DA - 30.04.2023 KW - Microplastics KW - Ecotoxicity KW - Plastic aging KW - Algae growth inhibition tests PY - 2023 AN - OPUS4-57501 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Miclea, P.-T. T1 - Real-life airborne micro- and nano-plastic particles and fibres on a porous membrane filter system from a textile factory suitable for both: vibrational and mass spectrometry N2 - The poster presents an application of Si wafer filter system on indoor air sampling. A textile factory producing PP fibres was sampled. T2 - SETAC Europe 2023 CY - Dublin, Ireland DA - 30.04.2023 KW - Microplastics KW - Polymer 3R KW - Textile fibres KW - Si wafer filter KW - Microplastics sampling PY - 2023 AN - OPUS4-57462 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Altmann, Korinna T1 - Material Selection Strategy N2 - This poster is a summary of the material used in the PlasticsFatE project. It indicates the strategies for testing of various polymer properties next to each other according to risk and hazard assessment. T2 - CUSP annual meeting and conference CY - Utrecht, Netherlands DA - 12.09.2023 KW - Microplastics KW - CUSP KW - Material selection PY - 2023 AN - OPUS4-58311 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Altmann, Korinna T1 - Current projects in risk assessment and harmonisation N2 - The talk gives an overview about EU projects currently running for risk assessment and harmonisation in microplastic analysis. T2 - Micro- and Nanoplastics CY - Halle (Saale), Germany DA - 01.11.2023 KW - Microplastics KW - Harmonisation in microplastics KW - Polymer 3R PY - 2023 AN - OPUS4-58766 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Visileanu, E. T1 - Methods for the collection and characterization of airborne particles in the textile industry N2 - The presentation summarizes possibilities to sample airborne micro and nanoplastic particles. An example of a textil company is shown. T2 - 5th International Conference on Human Systems Engineering and Design: Future Trends and Applications (IHSED 2023 CY - Dubrovnik, Croatia DA - 27.09.2023 KW - Microplastics KW - Polymer 3R KW - Textile company PY - 2023 AN - OPUS4-58561 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Kittner, Maria T1 - Bewertung der Freisetzung von Mikroplastik aus Sportböden auf Kunststoffbasis N2 - Projektvorstellung "Bewertung der Freisetzung von Mikroplastik aus Sportböden auf Kunststoffbasis": Motivation, Konzept, Umsetzung, erste analytische Ergebnisse der TED-GC/MS T2 - 24. Projekttage der Zukunft Bau Forschungsförderung CY - Bonn, Germany DA - 13.06.2023 KW - Mikroplastik KW - TED-GC/MS KW - Kunststoffrasen KW - Lysimeter KW - Beschleunigte Alterung PY - 2023 AN - OPUS4-58441 LA - deu AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Kittner, Maria T1 - Bewertung der Freisetzung von Mikroplastik aus Sportböden auf Kunststoffbasis N2 - Projektvorstellung "Bewertung der Freisetzung von Mikroplastik aus Sportböden auf Kunststoffbasis": Konzept, Umsetzung, erste Mikroplastik-Ergebnisse. T2 - Projektbegleitkreissitzung des Projektes "Ermittlung und Minderung von Mikroplastik- und Schadstoffemissionen von Kunststoffrasen-Sportplätzen (MiMiK)“ CY - Sittensen, Germany DA - 25.09.2023 KW - Mikroplastik KW - TED-GC/MS KW - Kunststoffrasen KW - Lysimeter KW - Beschleunigte Alterung PY - 2023 AN - OPUS4-58442 LA - deu AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - van den Berg, A. A1 - Adriaans, K. A1 - Hoppener, E. A1 - Parker, L. A1 - Boersma, A. A1 - Altmann, Korinna A1 - Legler, J. A1 - Pieters, R. T1 - Inflammation-related key events stimulated by micro- and nanoplastics N2 - The presence of micro- and nanoplastic particles (MNP) in our environment has raised increasing public and political concern. Increasing evidence suggests that humans are exposed to these MNP, mostly via inhalation or ingestion. The EC-Horizon project POLYRISK (https://polyrisk.science) aims to establish an IATA/AOP-based tiered approach to assess human health risks of MNP. In our research, we focus on assessing immunotoxicological effects of MNP. We have tested a series of primary, secondary, environmentally aged (incubated in River Rine water) and chemically altered MNP for their potential to affect dendritic cells or macrophages. MNP used in this study include primary and weathered PS, secondary PVC, PA, PP (with or without talc) and PE. The secondary PE and PP (w/o talc) particles appeared to have oxidized groups on their surface. Data shows that MNP can be engulfed by macrophages (PMA-stimulated human THP1 cells) and human blood-derived dendritic cells (DCs). The effects of virgin as well as secondary MNP (0, 10 or 100 μg/ml) on THP1 macrophages were limited to decrease of mitochondrial activity (Alamar blue), increase of cellular leakage (LDH), and stimulation of lysosomal activity. None of these MNP stimulated gene expression of NFκB or release of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNFα, IL-1β). On the other hand, secondary PP and PE with oxidized surface groups did increase NFκB gene expression and release of cytokines by THP1 macrophages. Virgin and weathered PS particles were tested using DCs, and only weathered PS did stimulate DC activity (increased costimulatory molecules CD83, CD86) and as consequence allogeneic T cells. DC activation appeared to result from environmental contaminants. In conclusion, of all MNPs tested only those that contained active surface groups or environmental components appeared to be immunostimulatory, whereas primary and secondary MNP rather reduced macrophage activity and viability (at relatively high concentrations of 100 μg/ml). Further research is needed to reveal molecular mechanisms and to translate in vitro findings to real-world exposure scenarios. T2 - 58th Congress of the European Societies of Toxicology (EUROTOX 2024) CY - Copenhagen, Denmark DA - 08.09.2024 KW - Micro- and nanoplastic particles (MNP) KW - Human health risks KW - Immunotoxicological effects PY - 2024 DO - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.toxlet.2024.07.052 AN - OPUS4-63363 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Rossi, A T1 - Lactose Tablets as Suitable Microplastics Reference Material to Support Validation Studies and Quality Control N2 - One of the main challenges in validating microplastics detection methods is the lack of suitable reference materials that accurately reflect the properties of interest. To bridge this gap, the EU-funded PlasticTrace project has developed water-soluble tablets containing precisely defined amounts of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) particles. Each tablet includes a specific mass (0.2, 18.5, or 400 µg) and particle count (151 or 1764, measured via Raman spectroscopy). Production follows a rigorous solid-phase dilution process, ensuring high reproducibility and quality control. The PET particles used in these tablets have an average size of approximately 40 µm, with a range between 10 and 200 µm, and an irregular, stone-like shape. All measurements align with ISO/TC 147/SC 2 standardization efforts and adhere to ISO/DIS 16094-2 and ISO/DIS 16094-3. To assess tablet homogeneity, the most widely accepted microplastics detection techniques, i.e. µ-FTIR, µ-Raman, Py-GC/MS, and TED-GC/MS, were applied. Different batches were produced, each containing varying particle numbers and masses, reaching the detection limits of the methods used. The results demonstrated excellent consistency between tablets, successfully passing homogeneity tests. Furthermore, no significant changes were observed in the tablets' composition or stability after six months of storage. This innovative reference material represents an important advancement in microplastics analysis, supporting laboratories in meeting EU Commission requirements for the monitoring of microplastics in drinking water and wastewater with greater accuracy and reliability. The production process can be transferred for other plastic particles is this size range. T2 - BERM 16 CY - Halifax, Canada DA - 01.06.2025 KW - Microplastics KW - TED-GC/MS KW - Reference materials KW - Raman microscopy PY - 2025 AN - OPUS4-63403 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Fernández-González, V. T1 - Innovations in Microplastic Measurement: A Pyrolysis Approach for a Polyethylene Terephthalate Reference Material N2 - In the framework of the PlasticTrace project, in which a reference material for PET microplastics will be proposed, a method using pyrolysis and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry detection (Py-GC-MS) is developed to quantify the mass of PET microplastics (10-100 µm) in tablets at two different concentration levels. The overall aim of this project is to develop international metrological capacity that enables the traceable measurement and characterization of SMPs and NPs in environmental and food samples and the production of suitable reference materials, according to the metrological requirements (https://plastictrace.eu/). The proposed method consists of dissolving the tablet containing the PET microplastics in milli-Q water and filtering the solution using a glass microfiber membrane 13 mm filter size, 1.6 µm pore size. After filtering and several washes to ensure complete dissolution of the tablet and recovery of all PET microplastics, the filter is removed, folded, and placed in a capsule of the pyrolyzer for direct Py-GC/MS analysis. Two main markers were selected for PET quantification: vinyl benzoate and benzoic acid, with consistent concentrations found for both at high PET concentrations (≈400 µg) (24% RSD, n=17), but interferences with the matrix and vinyl benzoate were found at low concentrations (≈17 µg PET), with only benzoic acid being valid as a marker in this case (22% RSD, n=10). As an alternative to the quantification of PET microplastics in tablets at low concentrations, derivatization is proposed, for which tetramethylammonium hydroxide solution (TMAH) is added directly into the pyrolysis cap. The PET marker in this case is dimethyl terephthalate, with which good results have also been found (19.6% RSD, n=10 ). The proposed method is robust, simple, with high automation and very little sample handling and treatment, and allows the analysis of PET microplastics (>10 µm) in tablets with excellent accuracy and precision even at very low concentrations. T2 - SETAC Europe 2025 CY - Vienna, Austria DA - 11.05.2025 KW - Microplastics KW - Nanoplastics KW - GC/MS PY - 2025 AN - OPUS4-63383 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Kühnel, D. T1 - Micro and nanoplastics (MNP) a wish list for reliable determination of the risks for humans N2 - The assessment of risks to human health from micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) and their associated chemicals is hampered by significant uncertainties and data gaps regarding human exposure, biological fate and potential health effects. There is also a notable lack of validated test MNPs, natural particles to serve as reference controls, and lack of harmonised toxicological assessment methods specifically designed for the unique properties of MNPs. These limitations contribute to data scarcity and further complicate exposure and hazard assessment for MNP and their associated chemicals. The European research cluster CUSP (https://cusp-research.eu/) aims to fill these gaps by providing reliable data and suggests approaches for assessing human exposure and health risks associated with MNPs and their associated chemicals, including contaminants. As part of this initiative, five projects address the health risks of MNPs from different perspectives, focusing on different exposure pathways and health effects. In particular, the PlasticsFatE project (https://www.plasticsfate.eu/) structures the data requirements and developes strategies to overcome both general and material-specific barriers to MNP in hazard and risk assessment. Based on safety research on engineered nanomaterials, which has shown that it is impossible to experimentally test all MNP variants and their chemical mixtures, CUSP emphasises the need for pragmatic approaches. These approaches aim to effectively utilize knowledge from nanomaterial research, emphasize the reuse of generated data on fate and effects of MNPs, as well as identify and address data and knowledge gaps along with uncertainties, while considering the specific properties of MNPs and test approaches. This poster provides a structured overview of the current challenges in the risk assessment of micro- and nanoplastics and introduces the first step of categorising the different types of obstacles. Specific strategies to overcome these different types of challenges will be presented. T2 - SETAC Europe 2025 CY - Vienna, Austria DA - 11.05.2025 KW - Microplastics KW - Nanoplastics PY - 2025 AN - OPUS4-63385 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Booth, A. T1 - Production of a 1-10 μm polypropylene reference material for development of analytical methods N2 - The poster is about the preparation of microplastics in the size range of 1-10 µm. These size range of particles can be inhalded and therefore be toxic for humans. The preparation is done by comminution of PP pellets and sieving. Characterisation occured for size with laser diffraction, for type with FTIR and for shape with SEM. T2 - SETAC Europe 2025 CY - Vienna, Austria DA - 11.05.2025 KW - Microplastics KW - Reference materials PY - 2025 AN - OPUS4-63367 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Miclea, P.-T. T1 - Novel laser pre-structured silicon filters for microplastics analysis N2 - This research presents a novel laser-assisted approach to silicon filter fabrication, offering an effective alternative to traditional photolithographic processes. By integrating selective femtosecond laser irradiation with photoelectrochemical etching, we achieved precisely controlled pore geometries, overcoming common challenges in filter production for microplastic and nanoscale filtration suitable for microplastic number and mass analysis. T2 - SETAC Europe 2025 CY - Vienna, Austria DA - 11.05.2025 KW - Microplastics KW - Nanoplastics KW - Raman microspectroscopy PY - 2025 AN - OPUS4-63384 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Putzu, Mara T1 - Optimization of production process for microplastics reference materials N2 - Microplastics (MP) are defined as plastic particles mainly consisting of polymers in the size range of 1 to 1000 µm. They can be found in a wide range of environmental matrices but also in food products, indicating a potential risk on humans and environment. Plastic debris in the environment or food chain are extremely complex in terms of size, concentration, polymer type, levels of physiochemical degradation and undefined morphologies which makes their isolation and detection in complex matrices challenging. Analytical detection methods and techniques to identify and quantify microplastics in environmental and food matrices are numerous but validated and standardized methods are currently lacking. To close this research gap, reference materials (RMs) and representative sample preparation approaches are urgently needed. Homogeneity and stability are two crucial characteristics for the certification process of the reference materials. For this purpose, we aim to present ways to prepare reference materials containing very low masses of close-to reality plastic particles with broad size distribution (10-100 µm) that are homogeneously distributed in tablet-to-tablet variation and stable over time. Our work is based on the ISO Guide 30:2015 and ISO Guide 35:2017 to fulfil the criteria set in future standards ISO/DIS 16094-2 and ISO/DIS 16094-3. The property of interest will be the mass detected by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Furthermore, informative values will be achieved by mass-based technique TED-GC/MS and spectroscopic microscopy techniques, such as µ-FTIR spectroscopy and µ-Raman. T2 - SETAC Europe 2025 CY - Vienna, Austria DA - 11.05.2025 KW - Microplastics KW - Reference materials KW - TED-GC/MS PY - 2025 AN - OPUS4-63386 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Jaffer, Yousuf Dar A1 - Abdolahpur Monikh, Fazel A1 - Nguyen, Nhung H.A. A1 - Sevcu, Alena A1 - Abdulkadir, Nafiu A1 - Raha, Jakub A1 - Katsumiti, Alberto A1 - Bilbao, Ainhoa A1 - Altman, Korinna A1 - Grossart, Hans-Peter T1 - Bio-based microplastics increase the horizontal transfer of antibiotic resistance genes in aquatic environments N2 - The role of microplastics as vectors for horizontal gene transfer (HGT) of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) is increasingly recognized. This study investigated whether bio-based microplastics, often promoted as environmentally friendly alternatives, exhibit similar or enhanced HGT potential compared to conventional plastics. We examined the HGT rates of the trimethoprim resistance gene (dfrA1) and tetracycline resistance gene (tetA), carried on a broad-host-range plasmid, among Escherichia coli (donor) and Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Pseudomonas sp., or a natural lake microbial community (recipients). Four bio-based polymer types—polylactic acid (PLA) granules, commercial PLA, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) granules, and poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV)- were compared with two conventional microplastics, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and bottle-derived HDPE. The bio-based microplastics exhibited significantly higher HGT frequencies, with a 21–48-fold increase compared to control chitosan in single-strain experiments and a 13-fold increase within the lake microbial community. 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing revealed distinct bacterial community compositions colonizing different microplastic types in the lake water. The transconjugant communities, indicative of successful HGT events, were strongly influenced by microplastic type. While Nannocystis was generally dominant, the PLA (granule) microplastic exhibited a unique profile dominated by Candidatus Megaira and Niveispirillum. Additionally, Flavobacterium and Fluviicola were uniquely detected as transconjugants on HDPE (granule). These findings demonstrate that bioplastics have a significant influence on the selective enrichment of specific transconjugant genera, suggesting a prominent role of microplastics, particularly bio-based plastics, in shaping ARG dissemination within complex microbial ecosystems. We recommend a comprehensive risk assessment of bio-based plastics, particularly their potential to enhance the spread of ARGs, before their widespread implementation in consumer products. KW - Microplastics KW - Bioplastics KW - Conventional plastics KW - Antibiotik resistence gene PY - 2026 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-656293 DO - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.impact.2026.100613 SN - 2452-0748 VL - 41 SP - 1 EP - 10 PB - Elsevier B.V. AN - OPUS4-65629 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Seifert, Lando T1 - Grundlagen Korrosion und Korrosionsschutz N2 - Im Rahmen des jungen gfkorr Events an der Universität Kassel in diesem Jahr wurde der Grundlagenvortrag vor Young Professionals und Studierenden vorgestellt. Die BAM beschäftigt sich im Fachbereich 7.6 schwerpunktmäßig mit der Korrosionsprüfung, den Korrosionsschäden und -reaktionen rund um Anwendungsfälle der Hauptkonstruktionswerkstoffe Stahl, verzinkter Stahl, Nichtrostende Stähle und Aluminium in relevanten Umgebungsbedingungen. Der Impulsvortrag sollte die Faszination für die Korrosion übermitteln. Dabei wurde anhand von Schadensfällen grundlegende Mechanismen und Haupteinflussfaktoren erörtert. Gestartet wurde mit einem prominenten Versagensfall und Beispiel für Spaltkorrosion aus der Luftfahrt... T2 - die junge gfkorr @ Universität Kassel CY - Kassel, Germany DA - 02.03.2026 KW - Korrosion KW - Korrosionsschutz KW - Stahl KW - Zink KW - Aluminium KW - Nichtrostende Stähle KW - Korrosivität KW - Spaltkorrosion PY - 2026 AN - OPUS4-65614 LA - deu AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Vogel, Christian T1 - Investigating the Thermal Decomposition of PFAS in a Full-Scale Commercial Hazardous Waste Incinerator N2 - Effective and safe treatment of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)-laden waste in full-scale hazardous waste facilities is currently the only commercial method for large-scale PFAS destruction, but concerns remain about incomplete combustion and harmful byproducts. Therefore, the fate of fluorine during incineration was investigated in a full-scale hazardous waste incinerator to assess the viability and potential risks of this method. The project involves developing advanced analytical tools, including real-time infrared spectroscopy, and conducting trial burns under varied conditions. Conditions that influence incineration performance are identified, analyzing for products of incomplete destruction (PIDs), exploring the role of fly ash and surfaces in PFAS breakdown, and evaluating the potential formation of polyfluorinated dioxins and furans. Collectively, these tasks aim to deliver practical tools and guidance for scientists and engineers, while informing policymakers and the public on the benefits and potential risks of PFAS incineration. T2 - DoW Applied Innovation Workshop CY - Washington, DC, USA DA - 02.03.2026 KW - Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) KW - Incineration PY - 2026 AN - OPUS4-65638 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Miclea, Paul T1 - Microanalysis of Airborne Nano/Microplastic Particles in an Textile Industrial Environment N2 - Micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) are emerging global contaminants, present in air, soil, and water. The textile industry is potentially a major contributor, releasing synthetic particles like polyamide, polyester, and acrylic during production. This study assessed MNP levels outside and inside a textile-processing facility using online air samplers with silicon (Si) and quartz filters. Real-time particle counts (PM0.3–PM10) were obtained via a laser detector. Si filters (9 mm, 10/1 µm pores) and quartz filters (25 mm, 1.2 µm pores, pre-calcined at 800°C) were used for sampling. Custom holders allowed selective sampling for PM10 and PM1 on Si filters. Sampling conditions included a 3-hour collection at 2 L/min (GilAir Plus pump) starting at 7:00 AM (T1) and 2:00 PM (T2), with intermittent ventilation, 23.3 °C average temperature, and 52.5% humidity. Particle weights collected (µg) were: quartz – 4.9E-05 (T1), 5.1E-05 (T2); Si – 3.2E-05 (T1), 5E-06 (T2). Outside particle counts ranged from 3,584 (T1) to 15,165 (T2); inside: 9,901 (T1) to 12,921 (T2). Maximum indoor PM10 and PM0.3 levels were 72/m³ and 71,979/m³, respectively. Particles were analyzed using electron microscopy and µRaman spectroscopy, confirming high concentrations of irregularly shaped PP-based particles (1–5 µm). T2 - 12th TEXTEH CY - Bucharest, Romania DA - 23.10.2025 KW - Microplastics KW - Airborne particles KW - Raman microspectroscopy PY - 2025 AN - OPUS4-64485 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Monikh, F. A. A1 - Baun, A. A1 - Hartmann, N. B. A1 - Kortet, R. A1 - Akkanen, J. A1 - Lee, J.-S. A1 - Shi, H. A1 - Lahive, E. A1 - Uurasjärvi, E. A1 - Tufenkji, N. A1 - Altmann, Korinna A1 - Wiesner, Yosri A1 - Grossart, H.-P. A1 - Peijnenburg, W. A1 - Kukkonen, J. V. K. T1 - Exposure protocol for ecotoxicity testing of microplastics and nanoplastics N2 - Despite the increasing concern about the harmful effects of micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs), there are no harmonized guidelines or protocols yet available for MNP ecotoxicity testing. Current ecotoxicity studies often use commercial spherical particles as models for MNPs, but in nature, MNPs occur in variable shapes, sizes and chemical compositions. Moreover, protocols developed for chemicals that dissolve or form stable dispersions are currently used for assessing the ecotoxicity of MNPs. Plastic particles, however, do not dissolve and also show dynamic behavior in the exposure medium, depending on, for example, MNP physicochemical properties and the medium’s conditions such as pH and ionic strength. Here we describe an exposure protocol that considers the particle-specific properties of MNPs and their dynamic behavior in exposure systems. Procedure 1 describes the top-down production of more realistic MNPs as representative of MNPs in nature and particle characterization (e.g., using thermal extraction desorption-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry). Then, we describe exposure system development for short- and long-term toxicity tests for soil (Procedure 2) and aquatic (Procedure 3) organisms. Procedures 2 and 3 explain how to modify existing ecotoxicity guidelines for chemicals to target testing MNPs in selected exposure systems. We show some examples that were used to develop the protocol to test, for example, MNP toxicity in marine rotifers, freshwater mussels, daphnids and earthworms. The present protocol takes between 24 h and 2 months, depending on the test of interest and can be applied by students, academics, environmental risk assessors and industries. KW - Microplastics KW - TED-GC/MS KW - Cryo milling PY - 2023 DO - https://doi.org/10.1038/s41596-023-00886-9 SN - 1754-2189 SP - 1 EP - 38 PB - Nature Protocols AN - OPUS4-58557 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Altmann, Korinna T1 - ILC on Laser diffraction - preliminary results N2 - This presentation addresses an interlaboratory comparison on size of polymeric particles (microplastics) measured by laser diffraction. Two microplastic particles were measured separately and once as mixture. Evaluation was done with Fraunhofer and Mie. Here, the first results are presented. T2 - CUSP Annual Meeting CY - Utrecht, Netherlands DA - 12.09.2023 KW - Microplastics KW - Laser diffraction KW - Polymer 3R KW - Size distribution KW - Polymer size PY - 2023 AN - OPUS4-58318 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Drexel, R. T1 - Nano-sized Polypropylene as a Promising Candidate Reference Material: Preparation, Characterization and Stability in Complex Matrices N2 - The lack of nanoplastic (NPs) reference materials capable of mimicking real-world scenarios is currently hampering the development of validated extraction techniques from complex matrices (e.g. soils, sediments, biota), the development of analytical approaches for robust identification and quantification, and the ability to use environmentally relevant test materials in (eco)toxicity testing and hazard assessment [1]. The large body of available data suggests that larger microplastics (MPs) in the natural environment are irregular shaped, partially degraded (chemically and physically), a continuum of sizes, shapes and densities, represent a wide range of polymer types, and acts as a reservoir for thousands of plastic chemicals. Although NPs have been described as being neither MPs nor engineered nanoparticles [2], and while direct measurement data of true NP in the environment remain elusive, they are expected to be as equally diverse as MPs [3]. Here, we present a strategy towards the development of a potential NP reference material based on nano-sized polyproplyene particles (nanoPP) developed within the EURAMET-funded PlasticTrace project (https://plastictrace.eu/). The strategy includes the preparation, the physicochemical characterization and the stability assessment of nanoPP in suspension both in its pristine state, but also when spiked into food (mineral water and milk) and environmental matrices (suspended particulate matter collected from the river Elbe ). Collected experimental data suggests nanoPP to be a promising candidate for a NP reference material. T2 - SETAC Europe 2025 CY - Vienna, Austria DA - 11.05.2025 KW - Nanoplastics KW - Reference materials PY - 2025 AN - OPUS4-63382 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Altmann, Korinna T1 - Validation of microplastics detection methods and proficiency testing: Suitable microplastic reference materials for interlaboratory comparison N2 - The talk summarizes challenges in microplastic analysis. It shows the preparation of microplastic reference materials as well as the testing on homogeneity and stability. The reference material is used in an international laboratory comparison to compare different detection methods used for microplastic analysis. The methods used were µ-IR (FTIR+LDIR) for number-based methods and TED-GC/MS and Py-GC/MS for mass-based methods. The ILC was done under the umbrella of VAMAS TWA 45. Results of the participants are presented. T2 - BAM Akademie CY - Online meeting DA - 16.05.2024 KW - Microplastics KW - Reference materials KW - ILC KW - Microplastics detection KW - TED-GC/MS KW - Polymer 3R PY - 2024 AN - OPUS4-60085 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Altmann, Korinna T1 - Mikroplastik Detektion mit Thermoanalytischen Methoden: Analytik, Referenzmaterial, Ringversuche N2 - Ich dem Vortrag geht es um die Vorstellung von thermoanalytischen Methoden für die Mikroplastik-Detektion. Verschiedene Kopplungsmöglichkeiten werden gezeigt und die Funktionsweise der TED-GC/MS wird erklärt. Im zweiten Teil werden Referenzmaterialien für die Mikroplastik-Analytik diskutiert. PET -Tabletten des PlasticTrace Projektes werden vorgestellt. Am Ende wird der VAMAS Ringversuch zur Mikroplastik-Detektion gezeigt. T2 - Plastik, Mikroplastik, Nanopartikel, PFAS und Verunreinigungen (Agilent Workshop) CY - Hamburg, Germany DA - 28.05.2024 KW - Mikroplastik KW - TED-GC/MS KW - Polymer 3R KW - Ringversuche KW - Referenzmaterial PY - 2024 AN - OPUS4-60155 LA - deu AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Drago, C. T1 - Standardization Methods for the Analysis of Microplastics (10 100µm) in Food Matrix: Sample Preparation and Digestion of Milk Powder. N2 - Monitoring of microplastics in food matrices is crucial to determinate the human exposure. By direct ingestion microplastics could be released in the food during the production, through packaging and by consumer’s use. The absence of standard methods to quantify and detect different size range and type of microplastics has led to difficult and time consuming procedural steps, poor accuracy and lack of comparability. In this work, matrix characterization and laboratory experiments were used to investigate the efficiency of sample preparation in milk powder. This information is crucial to compile a standard procedure for sample preparation and digestion of common milk powder to detect different particle sizes and types of polymers. Charaterisation is done by TGA and TOC measurements. T2 - SETAC Europe 2024 CY - Sevilla, Spain DA - 05.05.2024 KW - Microplastics KW - Harmonisation in microplastics KW - Polymer 3R KW - Microplastics in milk PY - 2024 AN - OPUS4-60034 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Vogel, Christian T1 - Investigating the Thermal Decomposition of PFAS in a Full-Scale Commercial Hazardous Waste Incinerator (SERDP ER24-4073) N2 - Effective and safe treatment of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)-laden waste in full-scale hazardous waste facilities is currently the only commercial method for large-scale PFAS destruction, but concerns remain about incomplete combustion and harmful byproducts. Therefore, the fate of fluorine during incineration was investigated in a full-scale hazardous waste incinerator to assess the viability and potential risks of this method. The project involves developing advanced analytical tools, including real-time infrared spectroscopy, and conducting trial burns under varied conditions. Conditions that influence incineration performance are identified, analyzing for products of incomplete destruction (PIDs), exploring the role of fly ash and surfaces in PFAS breakdown, and evaluating the potential formation of polyfluorinated dioxins and furans. Collectively, these tasks aim to deliver practical tools and guidance for scientists and engineers, while informing policymakers and the public on the benefits and potential risks of PFAS incineration. T2 - DoW Applied Innovation Workshop CY - Washington, DC, USA DA - 02.03.2026 KW - Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) KW - Incineration PY - 2026 AN - OPUS4-65639 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Altmann, Korinna T1 - Update – Milling and weathering of granules N2 - The talk aims to describe the production of microplastic particles as test material and the additional weathering for aged particles. T2 - PlasticsFate meeting CY - Online meeting DA - 12.11.2021 KW - Microplastic KW - Cryo milling KW - Aged particles PY - 2021 AN - OPUS4-53737 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Kittner, Maria T1 - Beschleunigung und Hemmung - Komplexe Wechselwirkungen bei der Zersetzung von thermoplastischen PLA/PS-Blends unter realitätsnahen Umweltbedingungen N2 - Mit dem stetigen weltweiten Anstieg der Nachfrage nach Polymerprodukten nimmt auch die potenzielle Menge an Kunststoffabfällen in der Umwelt zu. Problematisch ist, dass viele der wirtschaftlich relevantesten Kunststoffe sehr lange brauchen, um in der Umwelt abzubauen, sich dort akkumulieren und in kritisch betrachtetes Makro- und Mikroplastik zu zerfallen. Auf der Grundlage des Vorsorgeprinzips fordert die Europäische Kommission daher die Entwicklung neuer polymerer Materialien, die diesem Problem der Persistenz entgegenwirken und unter natürlichen Umweltbedingungen schneller abgebaut werden können. 1,2 Um dieses Problem anzusprechen, wurden mittels additiver Fertigung Polymerblends aus photooxidationsempfindlichem Polystyrol (PS) und hydrolyseempfindlicher Polymilchsäure (PLA) hergestellt. Die Hypothese war, dass sich die beiden Thermoplaste aufgrund ihrer unterschiedlichen Abbauprozesse gegenseitig in ihrem Abbau unterstützen, wenn sie unter moderaten, realitätsnahen Umweltalterungsbedingungen (45 °C) abwechselnd der Photooxidation und Hydrolyse ausgesetzt werden. In der Praxis zeigten die Ergebnisse, dass die Degradation von PLA durch die Anwesenheit von PS deutlich beschleunigt worden ist – wohingegen die Degradation von PS gehemmt wurde. In diesem Vortrag werden die detaillierten Ergebnisse der Oberflächen- (ATR-FTIR, REM) und Bulk-Analysen (DSC, TGA, FTIR-Transmission, TED-GC/MS) der Blends sowie ergänzende Mikroplastik-Ergebnisse des umgebenden Wassermediums (TED-GC/MS) erörtert. T2 - 50. Jahrestagung der Gesellschaft für Umweltsimulation (GUS) CY - Online meeting DA - 23.03.2022 KW - Polymerblend KW - PLA KW - Hydrolyse KW - PS KW - Bewitterung KW - UV-Bestrahlung KW - TED-GC/MS KW - Wasser KW - Mikroplastik PY - 2022 AN - OPUS4-54544 LA - deu AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Altmann, Korinna T1 - Plastik in Böden: Mikroplastik-Analytik N2 - Im Vortrag wir eine Methode zur Analyse von Mikroplastik in Böden dargestellt. Es geht dabei um die Probenvorbereitung und Detektion. T2 - Fachgespräch "Plastik in Böden" CY - Online meeting DA - 28.03.2022 KW - Mikroplastik KW - TED-GC/MS KW - Mikroplastik-Analytik KW - Methodenentwicklung Böden PY - 2022 AN - OPUS4-54646 LA - deu AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Altmann, Korinna T1 - Plastik in Böden: Mikroplastik-Ergebnisse N2 - In diesem Vortrag geht um die Vorstellung der Ergebnisse des UBA Projektes Plastik in Böden. Es werden Mikroplastik-Gehalte in verschiedenen Böden präsentiert. T2 - Fachgespräch "Plastik in Böden" CY - Online meeting DA - 28.03.2022 KW - Mikroplastik KW - Mikroplastik Böden KW - Mikroplastik-Analytik PY - 2022 AN - OPUS4-54648 LA - deu AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Altmann, Korinna T1 - Mikroplastik heute: Was haben wir in den letzten Jahren erreicht? N2 - In diesem Vortrag geht es um eine Übersicht über die Thematik der Mikroplastik, Was ist Mikroplastik, wie entsteht es und wo kommt es her. Es wird beschrieben wie eine repräsentative Probenahme erfolgen kann und wie welche Herausforderungen bei der Probenvorbereitung existieren. Die Detektion wird ausführlich beschrieben, sowohl mit Partikelanzahl als auch Masse. Im weiteren werden erste Referenzmaterialien und ihre Anwendung in internationalen Ringversuchen beschrieben. Der zweite Teil zeigt die Normungsaktivitäten im Bereich der Mikroplastik. T2 - Mitgliederversammlung der GdCh Lackchemie CY - Online Meeting DA - 20.09.2024 KW - Mikroplastik KW - TED-GC/MS KW - Polymer 3R KW - Reference material KW - ILC on detection methods PY - 2024 AN - OPUS4-61087 LA - deu AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Kittner, Maria T1 - Contaminant Emissions from Artificial Turf Sports Pitches - Simultaneous sampling for Microplastics, PAH and Heavy Metals N2 - In September 2023, the European Commission introduced a new regulation to reduce microplastic (MP) emissions into the environment, including the sale and use of intentionally added (large) MP < 5 mm (ISO/TR 21960: 2020). This explicitly applies to the use of synthetic rubber granulate infill in artificial turf installations, which are complex multi-component systems consisting of multiple synthetic polymers (Fig. 1). In addition, abrasions of synthetic grass fibres and other turf components are also considered as MP sources. Although this has a major impact on public recreational sports, there is so far no sufficient data to estimate the MP emissions from artificial turf sports pitches into the environment and thus their relevance as a source of MP pollution. To close this gap, this study compared environmental contaminant emissions of three artificial turf scenarios at different ageing states (unaged, artificially and real-time aged): the past (old turf: fossil based, synthetic infill), present (most commonly installed in Germany: fossil based, EPDM infill) and future (turf with recycled grass fibres, no synthetic infill). Accelerated ageing by UV weathering and mechanical stress was carried out to simulate the outdoor weathering during the lifespan of approx. 15 years. MP emissions and released environmentally relevant contaminants posing a risk to the groundwater were simultaneously sampled using the newly developed Microplastic Eluate Lysimeter manufactured at BAM (Fig. 2). MP contents were analysed using smart microfilter crucibles (mesh size: 5 μm) with subsequent MP detection by TED-GC/MS. Additionally, concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were determined using GC/MS and heavy metals using ICP-AES. T2 - 22nd European Symposium on Polymer Spectroscopy (ESOPS) CY - Berlin, Germany DA - 08.09.2024 KW - Microplastics Eluate Lysimeter KW - Microplastics KW - TED-GC/MS KW - Heavy Metals KW - PAH PY - 2024 AN - OPUS4-61013 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Miclea, Paul-Tiberiu T1 - Membrane filter cascade for size-selective analysis of nano-and micro particles N2 - From a metrological point of view, the analysis of micro and nanoplastics MNP requires not only representative and meaningful methods for sampling, preparation, and detection, but also defined and reproducible analytical procedures for the processes and materials used. For such a validation of the detection procedures (including the determination of process and laboratory blank values), the filters and laboratory conditions used in interaction with the final MNP measurement play a central role for detection limits regarding MNP size, MNP content and statistical measurement control, in addition to the reference materials mentioned above. On the basis of available filtration materials (e.g. metal mesh, silicon, aluminum oxide, polycarbonate) and metrological boundary conditions, key aspects for metrologically sound method development must be defined. Two key categories of analysis are developed for the characterization of MNP’s: analytical methods (e.g. µ-IR spectroscopy, µRaman) and mass spectrometry (eg. Py-GC/MS or TED-GC/MS). If in the first category the shape, size, number of particles and the size distribution present in the samples can be determined. In the second category the mass of the material can be measured and the volume of plastic present in the samples can be deduced from this. Both catagories are very sensitive in terms of the volume of material that can be analyzed; vibrational methods can detect single particles but mass-based method require enough particles to reach the limit of detection. That is why in this study we propose a filtration system, which in our opinion brings the two categories much closer to each other and allows true measurements of particle number and mass of the same sample. In this way it is possible not only to estimate the volume of plastic in the sample, but also to determine with much greater precision the number of particles and the type of plastic present. Furthermore, new methods for particle detection can be added and combined with existing methods. Our proposed system can be used for a single filter, but also for the use of several filters in cascade. In this way a separation of particles by size can be achieved. T2 - 13th Annual World Congress of Nano Science & Technology 2024 CY - Osaka, Japan DA - 22.05.2024 KW - Microplastics KW - Si filters KW - Filtration KW - Polymer 3R PY - 2024 AN - OPUS4-61097 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Drago, Claudia T1 - Rapid sample preparation to detect microplastics in baby milk powder N2 - Microplastics, ubiquitous as it is, could be released into food during production chain, through packaging and by consumer´s use. To determinate human exposure to microplastics is crucial to monitor microplastics in food matrices. The current absence of standard sample preparation procedures to identify and quantify different microplastics according to number and mass have generate time-consuming protocols and lack of comparability among different analytical methods, laboratories and time scales. Monitoring microplastics in complex matrices as food, and in particular in baby milk powder, requires an accurate approach that need to be validate, to ensure the comparability of results. Bottled drinking water or surface waters, for example, can be measured with mass-based methods (TED-GC/MS or Py-GC/MS) directly after filtration. Baby milk powder, instead is more challenging, due to the proteins and fatty acid that clog the filters and contaminate the measuring devices with heavy carry over. In this study, we characterize the baby milk powder by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and we tested different treatments for matrix reduction: water, H2O2, citric acids. In particular, the use of citric acid was tested for protein reduction before filtration. Our hypothesis was that citric acid will induce the precipitation of proteins and amino acids, leading to a strong matrix reduction. In fact, this sample pre treatment, allowed us to use a higher intake, necessary for representative quantification. Finally, the milk powder was spiked with reference material tablets containing polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The PET was not degraded by the citric acid and high recovery rate was achieved by TED-GC/MS and Py-GC/MS methods. Considering the simplicity and accessibility of this sample preparation and its robust results, this procedure could be easily proposed as a simple sample preparation approach to monitor microplastics by mass-based methods. T2 - MICRO 2024 CY - Arrecife, Spain DA - 23.09.2024 KW - Microplastics KW - Milk KW - Polymer 3R KW - TED-GC/MS PY - 2024 AN - OPUS4-61273 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Altmann, Korinna T1 - Round Table for Expert Stakeholders​ - The Transfer of Research into Policy and Regulation N2 - This talk gives an overwiew about the material and physico chemical characterisation of materials developed for the EU founded project PlasticsFate. Particles in 1st and 2nd sample set are presented next to their characterisatin and documentation in data sheets. Some materials are prepared for reference material and used in an interlaboratory comparison. Results are briefly discussed. T2 - Stakeholder Workshop PlasticsFate CY - Bühl, Germany DA - 17.09.2024 KW - Microplastics KW - Reference materials KW - Polymer 3R KW - Interlaboratory comparison PY - 2024 AN - OPUS4-61088 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Alić Stolar, Jasna T1 - Harnessing mechanochemistry to tackle PFAS pollution N2 - We are currently facing one of the most serious environmental crises in human history – the widespread pollution caused by PFAS. PFAS stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, which are toxic, persistent, highly mobile, and bioaccumulative compounds, often referred to as 'forever chemicals'. For over 70 years, they have been used to make products resistant to water, heat, and stains, but the cost of damaging ecosystems and harming human health was revealed far too late. As of 2023, there were more than 23,000 confirmed PFAS contamination sites in Europe alone, with at least an equal number of presumptive contamination sites due to historical and current industrial activities.1 Public concern has pushed regulatory bodies to restrict the production of the most common PFAS, but with over 10,000 PFAS compounds and existing contamination, the problem remains largely unresolved. State-of-the-art remediation strategies rely on energy-intensive incineration, which releases greenhouse gases and smaller, volatile PFAS derivatives.2 Here, we present a fast, simple, and sustainable method for the complete degradation of PFAS, leveraging mechanochemistry3 to break down the persistent carbon-fluorine bonds. Our findings indicate that liquid-assisted grinding conditions accelerate the degradation of perfluorooctanoic acid compared to neat grinding conditions, resulting in a significant reduction in energy consumption. Moreover, the fluoride released during the process binds to inorganic additives, allowing fluorine recovery as crystalline salts and preventing the formation of secondary toxic waste. The method has strong potential for scaling up and offers a green and viable solution for real-world application in PFAS decontamination. T2 - Tag der Chemie CY - Berlin, Germany DA - 03.07.2025 KW - Mechanochemistry KW - Forever chemicals KW - Sustainability PY - 2025 AN - OPUS4-63972 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Bauer, J. A1 - Miclea, P.-T. A1 - Braun, U. A1 - Altmann, Korinna A1 - Turek, M. A1 - Hagendorf, C. T1 - Microplastic detection and analysis in water samples N2 - Microplastic detection in water samples becomes important for tracing microplastic sources. Microplastic may harm desalination facilities by blocking filters and disturbing the marine food chain. Thermo analytical methods such as pyrolysis gas chromatography mass spectroscopy, and spectroscopic methods like (micro) Raman spectroscopy or (micro) Fouriertransform infrared spectroscopy in combination with appropriate filters and sample preparation are suitable for analyzing microplastics on a scale from 1 µm to 1000 µm fast and unambiguous. While the thermo analytical methods are suitable for larger sample volumes, Raman spectroscopy and Fouriertransform infrared spectroscopy are able to detect and analyze single microplastic particles for instance in bottled water. Machine learning algorithms ensure a reliable classification of different plastic materials. T2 - International Conference on Sustainable Energy-Water-Environment Nexus in Desert Climate 2019 CY - Ar-Rayyan, Qatar DA - 02.12.2019 KW - Microplastics KW - Water samples PY - 2022 SP - 111 EP - 113 PB - Springer AN - OPUS4-56240 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Müller, Axel T1 - Representative sampling of roadside soil and determination of tire wear contents by TED-GC/MS N2 - The presentation describes microplastic findings from tyre wear near roads. Both the sampling and the analysis are presented. T2 - Mikroplastik Workshop der Hochschule Zittau CY - Online meeting DA - 25.11.2021 KW - Mikroplastik KW - Reifenabrieb KW - TED-GC/MS KW - Probennahme PY - 2021 AN - OPUS4-53831 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Wiesner, Yosri T1 - MIKROPLASTIK – von der Probenvorbereitung bis zur Analytik N2 - Der Vortrag beschreibt die Herausforderungen bei der Analyse von Mikroplastik inklusive Probennahme, Probenvorbereitung und Detektion. Es werden Ergebnisse aus dem BMBF-Projekt RUSEKU vorgestellt. T2 - LABO-Anwendertag CY - Online meeting DA - 23.11.2021 KW - Mikroplastik KW - TED-GC/MS KW - Mikroplastik-Analytik PY - 2021 AN - OPUS4-53829 LA - deu AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Altmann, Korinna T1 - Mikroplastik – Ein Problem für die Menschheit? N2 - Mikroplastik findet sich in Ozeanen, Seen, Flüssen und Bächen. Es kann in unserem Boden, in der Luft und sogar in Organismen nachgewiesen werden. Jedes Jahr werden weltweit Millionen Tonnen freigesetzt. Doch wo und wie landet Mikroplastik in der Umwelt? Und wie können wir diese winzigen Partikel nachweisen? T2 - Berlin Science Week CY - Berlin, Germany DA - 01.11.2021 KW - Mikroplastik KW - TED-GC/MS PY - 2021 AN - OPUS4-53734 LA - deu AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Altmann, Korinna T1 - Mikroplastik Referenzmaterial und erste Vergleichsuntersuchungen N2 - Hierbei geht es um die Vorstellung von ersten Möglichkeiten um Referenzmaterial für die Mikroplastik-Analytik herzustellen und die Ergebnisse erster Vergleichsversuche. T2 - EUROLAB-D Workshop: Mikroplastik in der Praxis CY - Online meeting DA - 30.11.2021 KW - Mikroplastik KW - Referenzmaterial KW - Vergleichsversuche PY - 2021 AN - OPUS4-53880 LA - deu AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Altmann, Korinna T1 - Microplastics at BAM: TED-GC/MS and reference materials N2 - Thsi talk aims to present the activities of microplastic analysis at BAM according to TED-GC/MS and reference materials developement. T2 - Webinar BAM / University of Birmingham CY - Online meeting DA - 15.06.2021 KW - Microplastic KW - TED-GC/MS KW - Reference materials PY - 2021 AN - OPUS4-53738 LA - deu AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Scharek, Vera M. A1 - Traub, Heike A1 - Meermann, Björn T1 - A direct solid sampling approach for fluorine determination via ETV/ICP-QQQ-MS N2 - Organic fluorine sum parameters are used to detect F-containing pollutants, e.g., per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), in the environment, within materials, or for monitoring technical processess, e.g., thermal decomposition of PFAS during municipal waste incineration. However, established approaches determining the extractable organic and adsorbable organic fluorine content (EOC and AOC) require laborious and error-prone sample preparation. We report a solid sampling-electrothermal vaporization (ETV) method for direct fluorine measurement based on the formation of [138Ba19F]+ with an inductively coupled plasma-triple quadrupole-mass spectrometer (ICP-QQQ-MS). Method development involved the instrumental setup for Ba introduction and fluorine-specific tuning of lens and collision-reaction cell (CRC) parameters. An inorganic fluorine fraction was detected in a cyclonic dust sample from a municipal waste incineration plant as a peak above a broad background signal. The content was estimated through standard addition using a NaF solution to 2300 mgg−1. With a limit of detection (LOD) of 130 mg g−1, which was below the reported value for an electrothermal vaporization/inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ETV/ICP-MS) approach, acquiring [19F]+. The method's potential for fractionation analysis was demonstrated by analyzing polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) powder. KW - PFAS KW - ETV/ICP-QQQ-MS KW - Solid sampling PY - 2026 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-656766 DO - https://doi.org/10.1039/d6ja00014b SN - 0267-9477 SP - 1 EP - 7 PB - Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) AN - OPUS4-65676 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Roß, Marcel A1 - Severin, Stefanie A1 - Hildebrandt, Jana A1 - Erdmann, Kerstin A1 - Miaskiewicz, Aleksandra A1 - Škorjanc, Viktor A1 - Bernardes de Araujo, Wander Max A1 - Leyden, Matthew A1 - Korte, Lars A1 - Seeger, Stefan A1 - Dallmann, André A1 - Albrecht, Steve T1 - Compositional Analysis of Metal Halide Perovskites: Insight into the Coevaporation Process via Nuclear Magnetic Resonance and X-ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy N2 - Lead halide perovskites have emerged as a highly promising class of materials for solar cells. Nevertheless, suitable procedures to analyze the exact composition of the perovskite films are rare and are not generally applicable. Here we show a simple and fast method to determine the absolute composition of mixed metal halide perovskites through a combination of nuclear magnetic resonance and total reflection X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy. The method is validated on powder mixtures and applied to thin film samples prepared by coevaporation of formamidinium iodide (FAI), CsI, PbI2 and PbBr2, allowing correlation between film composition and solar cell performance. We show that the rates of the individual precursors do not always translate linearly into film composition and that the preparation of the hole transport layer MeO-2PACz strongly influences the incorporation of FAI. Our work highlights the importance of compositional analysis and demonstrates how the developed method provides new insights into the complex coevaporation process in perovskite solar cells. KW - e‑ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy KW - Metal Halide Perovskites KW - CoevaporationP rocess KW - Nuclear Magnetic Resonance PY - 2026 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-656932 DO - https://doi.org/10.1021/acsenergylett.5c03689 SN - 2380-8195 VL - 11 IS - 2 SP - 1935 EP - 1943 PB - American Chemical Society (ACS) AN - OPUS4-65693 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Thünemann, Andreas T1 - Developtment of Nanoplastics Reference Materials at BAM N2 - Engineered particles are essential for sustainable innovation and modern industrial applications, but their reliable, number‑based characterisation remains a major challenge. Regulatory frameworks in healthcare, personal care (EU 745/2017, 749/2017, 1223/2009), and environmental monitoring—such as the EU Drinking Water Directive 21840/2020—demand robust particle measurements across complex matrices. Yet standardised methods currently exist only for simple particle systems, leaving significant gaps for technologically relevant materials and for micro‑ and nanoplastics as emerging pollutants. These challenges are amplified by the lack of well‑defined input parameters, particularly density and refractive index, which are critical for many analytical and modelling approaches. This talk highlights BAM’s work on developing nanoplastics reference materials to support validated, traceable, and harmonised measurement methods. I will outline strategies for producing stable, well‑characterised polymeric nanoparticles, establishing accurate material parameters, and integrating these reference materials into interlaboratory and standardisation activities. These efforts provide the metrological foundation urgently needed for regulatory testing, environmental monitoring, and industry innovation. T2 - ConcenSus Virtual Webinar on Reference Materials supporting characterization of nanomaterials: Current status and future trends CY - Online meeting DA - 17.03.2026 KW - Nanoplastics KW - Nanoparticle PY - 2026 AN - OPUS4-65717 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Geburtig, Anja A1 - Wachtendorf, Volker A1 - Falkenhagen, Jana T1 - Combined impact of UV radiation and nitric acid (HNO3) on HDPE jerrycans – comparison of outdoor and lab test N2 - A damaging action of HNO3-55% only occurs in combination with its decomposition into nitrous gases, which can be caused by UV radiation. In a laboratory test, transparent HDPE jerrycans have been exposed to both UV radiation and 55 wt-% nitric acid solution at (41 ± 2)°C, for up to 20 days. For comparison, UV radiant exposure (21 days) and nitric acid exposure (up to 6 weeks) were performed separately, at nearly equal temperatures. The respective damages are compared with FTIR spectroscopy in ATR and HT-gel permeation chromatography (GPC) on a molecular level and with hydraulic internal pressure testing as a component test. For the used jerrycans, relevant oxidation can only be found after the combined exposure. The gradual increase in oxidative damage shows the good reproducibility of the lab exposure. The decomposition of nitric acid into nitrous gases by UV radiation – as well as the jerrycan oxidation – is also observed at lower HNO3 concentration (28 wt- %). Similar results are obtained after outdoor tests. Again, the damage occurs only after combined exposure, in contrast to the exposures to UV only and to HNO3 only, which were conducted in parallel. Outdoor exposures are most readily accepted as they represent possible end-use conditions. However, the reproducibility of these exposures is poor due to the large temporal variations in weather. There are also several safety risks, which is why the number of replicates remains limited. Since the outdoor and lab exposure tests show the same qualitative results, it is appropriate to conduct systematic studies in the laboratory. After 6 days of lab exposure, the oxidation damage is rated as critical, which corresponds to about 1/10 year in Central Europe, according to the UV radiant exposure. It should be noted that this amount can also occur in two sunny weeks. T2 - 24th iapri World Packaging Conference CY - Valencia, Spain DA - 17.06.2024 KW - Ppolyethylene KW - UV exposure KW - Nitric acid KW - Oxidation PY - 2024 VL - 2 SP - 30 EP - 37 PB - ITENE AN - OPUS4-60414 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - RPRT A1 - Altmann, Korinna T1 - Deliverable 2: Summary report on: The development of pristine SI traceable reference materials for SMPs (0.1 μm - 10 μm) and NPs (< 0.1 μm), representative of partially degraded/naturally aged samples in complex food and environmental matrices, and for realistic polydisperse size distributions and irregular shapes N2 - PlasticTrace aims to address the urgent need for development and harmonisation of methods for the chemical identification, physical characterisation and quantification of released small micro/nanoplastics (SMPs/NPs) in drinking water, food and environmental matrices, as required by the EU’s Circular Economy Action Plan (CEAP). This report describs the characterisation of nanoPP analysed in the PlasticTrace project aiming to develop a reference material. The nanoPP was analysed mainly by light scattering methods. Homogeneity control was done by DLS. KW - Nanoplastics KW - Reference materials PY - 2024 N1 - Project Number 21GRD07: PlasticTrace (Tracing Micro and NanoPlastics in Food and Environment), funded by the European Union SP - 1 EP - 29 PB - European Association of National Metrology Institutes (EURAMET) CY - Braunschweig AN - OPUS4-62299 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Altmann, Korinna T1 - Reference material candidates for microplastic analysis N2 - Every day, there are new headlines in the media about microplastics (1-1000 µm, ISO/TR 21960:2020) and nanoplastics (< 1 µm, ISO/TR 21960:2020) findings all over the planet with high variations in particle number and mass. The challenges in analytics are very complex, e.g. representative sampling, non-destructive sample preparation with concentrated particles and homogeneous distribution and true detection. All together lead to lacks in harmonization and results, which are hardly comparable. On the other hand, monitoring of microplastics is mandatory in the future strictly regulated by the EU commission in the Drinking water and Wastewater Framework Directive. One step to accurate and precise results will be the development of suitable reference materials mimicking particles in the environment. BAM developed test materials, which are produced by mixing a small portion of microplastic particles with a water-soluble matrix. After solid phase dilution and homogenisation small portions are pressed into tablets and bottled in glass vials (Figure 1). These tablets are well characterized with particle size distribution and SEM images. Additionally, they are tested as reference material candidate according to homogeneity and stability for particle number with µ-IR and µ-Raman as well as on particle mass with Py-GC/MS and TED-GC/MS after ISO Guide 35. Results are promising. The material passed the homogeneity control. No changes are observed within 6 months of storage. The same tested reference material is finally used in sample preparation experiments, where environmental suspended particular matter from surface water or baby milk powders are spiked with the tablets. T2 - ESOPS CY - Berlin, Germany DA - 09.09.2024 KW - Microplastics KW - TED-GC/MS KW - Reference materials KW - Polymer 3R KW - Tablets PY - 2024 AN - OPUS4-61017 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER -